“Future growth and productivity critically depends on the ability of our young people to develop their potential and aspirations.’’

Liberal treasury spokesman Peter Gutwein said reducing youth unemployment was a “top priority’’ for the incoming Liberal government and that the forest industry would produce more jobs.

“The Liberals have a plan to rebuild our forest industry, which is based around resource security, innovation and value adding,’’ Mr Gutwein said. He said that a three-year partnership promised with Whitelion would help up to 200 at-risk young people become job-ready, find work or re-enter vocational education and training.

Another partnership with the Beacon Foundation is expected to help 1500 extra school students benefit from the Beacon program, which aims to improve employment and training rates among its participants.

Comments on this story

lindon hays of old beach Posted at 10:45 AM March 25, 2014

Just how many of the unemployed want to work? some families have 3 generations of unemployed be serious and admit some on unemployment are there because they want to be. The brotherhood needs to get their head out of the sand.

mark hawkes of dodges ferry Posted at 10:18 AM March 25, 2014

'Charity forecasts Tasmaniaâs youth unemployment to surge' (Hobart Mercury 24/3/14)
Alas, we are not alone...
'Jobless numbers for young pointing to crisis, Brotherhood of St Laurence warns' (Melbourne Age 24/3/14)

Don Rumney of Acton Posted at 9:15 PM March 24, 2014

Elizabeth, I feel as though you are answering my comment regarding older workers. I did not say push them out, I said they should step aside. This allows them to become mentors and retain their interest and expertise in their respective fields. My own experience, I wished to settle into a similar role within my own company while the challenges of management were handed to younger people. Although I still have the final say, most of managements decisions are excellent and I merely 'rubber stamp' them. I also retain some older staff who pass on their knowledge as well.